Sirwah a historic treasure, but needs services [Archives:2002/44/Last Page]

BY HASSAN AZZAEDI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
Sirwah City, 50 km to the west of Mareb, is one of the most ancient Yemeni cities, dating back to the Sabaeen’s regime. The glory of Sabaeen Kingdom is still seen in many of the ancient sites here.
Despite the treasures that Sirwah possesses, many are still unearthed. A German expedition, which stopped working two months ago, tried to abolish all new buildings that have crept on the historic city.
Regrettably, this district is notorious for kidnappings, along with tribal clashes that erupt from time to time. From 1993 to 2001, there were about 12 kidnappings in this district.
This spot has witnessed ups and downs and has become the main barrack for military units scattered in the region.
The habitants there get accustomed to go to bed to sounds of projectiles and Katusha guided missiles fired during kidnapping incidents, or the tribal clashes that erupt from time to time.
We paid a short a visit to the Sirwah area and met up with the General Director of the district and the Chairman of the local council, Najeeb Hussein Assalahi and said: “I have found the inhabitants of the Sirwah area very kind, generous and above all they’re inclined towards peace.”
They have the desire to show cooperation with the state.
“I want to say here that the kidnapping incidents that occur from time to time begin to disappear. Those who cause troubles are few and have political self-interests,” he said.
What is needed is to render services and developmental projects for the area and nothing else. Stability and safety can be achieved unless there is a comprehensive development in all aspects of life.
“The local councils don’t perform their role properly due to the unavailability of local resources for the district. We in this case demand the government and the presidents to spare no efforts for supporting and rendering services for the Sirwah district,” said Assalahi.
Sirwah district is in short supply of educational facilities, healthcare centers and agriculture resources.
Women in this area are in dire need of a better life. “I have noticed women have played a vital role in the previous local elections and that’s what is needed to push the women’s status for the better,” Assalahi added.
The Sirwah area is in need of developmental projects also.
“It is true that the government has paid a due attention to supply the water projects. But, unfortunately, those who are responsible for these projects are preoccupied with their self-interests and they turned into monopolizers. The common man in this respect fall a prey for a permanent deprivation and therefore he has to pay the price.
Since time immemorial, the Sirwah area is famous for its historical engravings and temples.


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